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Conservation areas

What is a conservation area?

Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 imposes a duty on local planning authorities to designate any 'areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance' as conservation areas.

When is planning permission required in a conservation area?

There are some restricted development rights within a conservation area and planning permission may be required for certain developments. For example, your property may have an Article 4 Direction which restricts the right to make external alterations, such as a change to windows and doors, without planning permission.